DOCSLIB.ORG

RESERVE BANK of FIJI QUARTERLY REVIEW December

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
RESERVE BANK of FIJI QUARTERLY REVIEW December RESERVE BANK OF FIJI QUARTERLY REVIEW December 2019 Private Mail Bag, Suva, Republic of Fiji Telephone: (679) 331 3611, Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rbf.gov.fj RBF Quarterly Review December 2019 QUARTERLY REVIEW OF THE ECONOMY & FINANCIAL CONDITIONS Overview 1 The International Economy 2 International Economic Conditions 2 The Domestic Economy 6 Domestic Economic Conditions 6 Production 6 Consumer Spending 7 Investment 7 Public Finance 8 Labour Market 8 Inflation 9 External Sector 9 Domestic Financial Conditions 10 Money Markets 11 Bond Market 11 Foreign Exchange Markets 11 Financial Intermediaries 12 Banking Industry Quarterly Condition Report - September 2019 13 Insurance Industry Quarterly Condition Report - September 2019 24 Capital Markets Quarterly Performance Report - September 2019 29 For the Record Reserve Bank of Fiji Presents its Audited Financial Statements for 2018-2019 33 Revised Growth Projections for the Fijian Economy for 2019-2022 34 Overnight Policy Rate Remains Unchanged 36 Conclusion of Transition Period for Personal Property Securities Act 2017 37 Reserve Bank of Fiji Releases Financial Stability Review 2019 39 Reserve Bank of Fiji Announces Changes in Executive Roles 40 Reserve Bank Launches Regulatory Sandbox, Invites Innovative Solutions for Fiji’s Financial Sector 42 Statistical Annex 43 Reserve Bank of Fiji Publications 45 RBF Quarterly Review December 2019 OVERVIEW According to the International Monetary foreign assets. Likewise, private sector Fund (IMF)1, global growth is projected to credit (PSC) expanded on a quarterly rise from an estimated 2.9 percent in 2019 basis by 0.9 percent owing to an to 3.3 percent in 2020 and 3.4 percent in increase in commercial banks’ lending to 2021. The revised growth rates are lower private sector business entities (PSBEs), by 0.1 percentage points (pp) for 2019 and while net credit to the central government 2020 and 0.2pp for 2021 when compared to fell. the October 2018 forecast. The slight downward revision in 2020 mainly reflects The overall performance of commercial weaker-than-expected performances in banks, credit institutions, insurance emerging market and developing industry and other financial corporations economies (EMDEs) particularly India. remained satisfactory during the third quarter of 2019, supporting financial Looking ahead, rising geopolitical tensions stability. between the United States (US) and Iran and intensifying social unrest in several The merchandise trade deficit (excluding other countries coupled with weak global aircraft) widened marginally by 0.6 percent demand pose further downside risks to to total $782.8 million over the September global growth this year. However, the quarter, compared to the 7.4 percent signing of the ‘phase one’ trade deal expansion in the June quarter. between the US and China in January 2020 should ease tensions and enhance trade Annual inflation rate in December 2019 fell flows in the near future. to -0.9 percent (deflation), lower than the 0.4 percent in September mainly led by Domestically, the Fijian economy is lower prices noted for communication; expected to expand by 1.7 percent in 2020, alcoholic beverages, tobacco & narcotics; from an estimated 1.0 percent growth in housing, water, electricity, gas & other 2019. The pick-up anticipated for 2020 is fuels and transport categories. owing to a gradual recovery in aggregate demand, sectoral performances and The Reserve Bank of Fiji’s (RBF) holdings business confidence. of foreign reserves were $2,219.8 million at the end of December, sufficient to cover 5.2 Monetary conditions in the December months of retained imports (MORI) of quarter remained supportive of domestic goods and non-factor services, up from economic growth with sufficient liquidity $2,161.1 million (5.0 MORI) at the end of in the banking system. At the end of the September. quarter, excess liquidity was $603.7 million, slightly lower than the $612.6 The RBF kept its Overnight Policy Rate million at the end of September. Broad (OPR) at 0.5 percent in the December money rose on a quarterly basis by 1.3 quarter, in line with the favourable outlook percent, underpinned by increased net for inflation and foreign reserves. 1 January 2020 World Economic Outlook (WEO). 1 RBF Quarterly Review December 2019 THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY International Economic Conditions The US economy grew by an annualised 2.1 percent in the September quarter According to the IMF, global growth is following a 2.0 percent expansion in the anticipated to pick up in 2020 to 3.3 percent June quarter. The slight uptick was mainly from 2.9 percent estimated in 2019 (Graph due to increases in personal consumption 1). The revised growth rates for both years expenditures, federal government are lower by 0.1pp than the October spending, residential investment, exports forecast. The downward revision in 2020 and both state and local government is mainly on account of the slowdown in a spending. few EMDEs, the impact of increasing civil unrest across the world and lower Both manufacturing and services activities anticipated growth for some advanced rose in the December quarter when economies such as in the US, Euro zone compared to September. Labour market and the United Kingdom (UK). sentiments were firm as the unemployment rate held steady at 3.5 percent in December Graph 1 similar to September end. Annual inflation World GDP Growth Rates rate in December was 2.3 percent higher Percent 4 than the 1.7 percent rate in September. Given this backdrop, the Federal Open 3 Market Committee decided to maintain the target range for its federal funds rate at 2 1.50-1.75 percent in its December meeting, following a 25 basis points fed rate cut in 1 its October meeting. 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019e 2020f 2021f In addition, the official signing of the first Source: IMF WEO, January 2020 stage of the trade deal between the US and China in January 2020 is expected to The accommodative monetary policies provide impetus for economic activity in adopted by key central banks in the final the US. Following an estimated 2.3 percent quarter of 2019 is likely to support expansion in 2019, the US economy is economic activity going forward. In expected to grow by 2.0 percent in 2020. addition, the signing of the phase one trade Annual inflation is forecast at 2.3 percent deal in January 2020 between the US and in 2020. China should ease tensions and enhance trade flows in the short to medium term. The Euro zone expanded by 0.2 percent However, downside risks to the global in the third quarter of 2019, the same outlook remain elevated. These include the pace as the preceding quarter. Increases in on-going conflict between the US and Iran, household consumption, fixed investment financial vulnerabilities, weather-related and government spending underpinned this shocks and the recent Coronavirus outcome. outbreak that may threaten prospects for global economic growth. 2 RBF Quarterly Review December 2019 Manufacturing activity rose in December Following an estimated 1.0 percent growth compared to September due to stronger in 2019, the Japanese economy is forecast increases in export orders. Inflation rate to expand by 0.7 percent in 2020. Annual stood at 1.3 percent in December from 0.8 inflation is expected to be around 1.3 percent in September 2019, much closer to percent in 2020. the European Central Bank’s (ECB) target rate of 2.0 percent. On account of some The Australian economy grew by 0.4 rigid progress on Euro area reforms and the percent in the September quarter pending outcome of Brexit negotiations, compared to 0.6 percent in the June quarter. the ECB maintained its refinancing rate at The slower growth momentum was 0.0 percent, deposit rate at -0.50 percent attributed to lower government and and marginal lending rate at 0.25 percent in household spending. its December meeting. A slowdown in consumer confidence was In the Euro zone, growth is expected to pick noted in the December quarter compared to up to 1.3 percent following an estimated 1.2 the previous quarter. Additionally, percent expansion in 2019. Annual services activity dropped and inflation is expected to be around 1.4 manufacturing activity also registered percent in 2020. sharp falls particularly in the last two months in the December quarter. The Japanese economy expanded by 0.4 percent in the third quarter from the 0.5 In order to support employment, income percent in the previous quarter. Growth growth and a bid to return inflation to the was supported by the increases in private medium-term target range, the Reserve and capital expenditure which more-than- Bank of Australia maintained its cash rate offset the negative contributions from at the historic low level of 0.75 percent in external demand. December. The impact of typhoon Hagibis coupled Additionally, the recent bushfires which with the increase in sales tax from 8.0 intensified in December may weigh on first percent to 10.0 percent in October and on- quarter growth of 2020. going trade tensions have lowered the pace of manufacturing and services activities in The Australian economy is anticipated to December relative to September. have grown by 1.7 percent in 2019. Nonetheless, the Japanese Government has Growth is forecast to pick up to 2.3 percent announced a US$120.0 billion spending in 2020, while inflation is expected to be package, of which 20.0 percent will be around 1.8 percent in 2020. spent by March 2020 to support stalling growth and sustain activity post Olympics. The New Zealand (NZ) economy Inflation rose to 0.9 percent in December expanded by 0.7 percent in the third compared to 0.4 percent in September quarter, from the 0.1 percent expansion in 2019, however remained below the Bank of the June quarter.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • FIJI Building Inclusive Institutions for Sustained Growth COUNTRY DIAGNOSTIC STUDY
    FIJI BUILDING INCLUSIVE InstitUTIONS foR SUstained GROWTH COUNTRY DIAGNOSTIC STUDY ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK FIJI BUILDING INCLUSIVE InstitUTIONS foR SUstained GROWTH COUNTRY DIAGNOSTIC STUDY Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department November 2015 ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license (CC BY 3.0 IGO) © 2015 Asian Development Bank 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City, 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines Tel +63 2 632 4444; Fax +63 2 636 2444 www.adb.org; openaccess.adb.org Some rights reserved. Published in 2015. Printed in the Philippines. ISBN 978-92-9257-099-6 (Print), 978-92-9257-100-9 (e-ISBN) Publication Stock No. RPT157617-2 Cataloging-In-Publication Data Asian Development Bank Fiji: Building inclusive institutions for sustained growth. Mandaluyong City, Philippines: Asian Development Bank, 2015. 1. Economic development. 2. Fiji. I. Asian Development Bank. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by ADB in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
    [Show full text]
  • Financial Sector Development in the Pacific Developing Member Countries
    TABLE OF CONTENTS i FINANCIAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE PACIFIC DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES Volume Two Country Reports Financial Sector Development in the Pacific Developing Member ii Countries: Country Reports © Asian Development Bank 2001 All rights reserved. First published in September 2001. This report was prepared by consultants for the Asian Development Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in it do not necessarily represent the views of ADB or those of its member governments. The Asian Development Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in the publication and accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any consequences of their use. ISBN 971-561-392-6 Publication Stock No. 080401 Asian Development Bank P.O. Box 789, 0980 Manila Philippines Website: www.adb.org TABLE OF CONTENTS iii Abbreviations ADB Asian Development Bank ALTA Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act, Fiji Islands AMU Asset Management Unit ANZ ANZ Bank, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group APRA Australian Prudential Regulation Authority ATHL Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (Fiji Islands) ATM Automatic Teller Machine AusAID Australian Agency for International Development BOK Bank of Kiribati BOT Bank of Tonga BPNG Bank of Papua New Guinea BSP Bank of South Pacific, Papua New Guinea CBS Central Bank of Samoa CBSI Central Bank of Solomon Islands CMDA Capital Market Development Authority (Fiji Islands) CNB Colonial National Bank (Fiji Islands) CPI Consumer Price Index CPSF Civil Service Pension Fund, Tonga DBK Development Bank of
    [Show full text]
  • Economy and State in Fiji Before and After the Coups
    Economy and State in Fiji before and after the Coups Bruce Knapman This paper is a rt;:vision and update of an earlier article on the economic consequences ofthe I987 military coups d'etat in Fiji (Knapman I988a). Its purpose is to explain what has happened against a background analysis of postindependence development, and to predict what is likely to happen. It is not prescriptive, but it does comment on the universalist, promarket, antistate analysis and policy recommendations in two recent books on the Fiji economy (Cole and Hughes I988; Kasper, Bennett, and Blandy I988). The conclusion is that Fiji probably faces a future ofeconomic stagnation. DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND PERFORMANCE I970-1986 In I874, at the beginning of the colonial period, Fiji's largely self-sufficient subsistence economy supported a population of about I40,000 Fijians who tolerated a shaky frontier economy of less than 2000 white settlers and traders. By I970, at the end of the colonial period, Fiji had an export economy supporting a population of 480,000. Of these, 200,000 were indigenous land-owning Fijians, 76 percent ofwhom lived in rural villages and retained a significant commitment to subsistence agriculture and neo­ traditional society. Another 24°,000 were Indians, 6I percent of whom lived in rural areas: they were predominantly Fiji-born (therefore "Indo­ Fijian"), grew the principal export crop (sugarcane) on leased land, and were prominent in small-scale commercial and service enterprises. The remaining, almost entirely urban, population consisted of Europeans and Chinese who dominated the management of largely foreign-owned big business in the manufacturing (mainly sugar milling), banking, trade, and tourism sectors (Knapman I987, I; CES, July I988; Fisk I970, 36-42).
    [Show full text]
  • Reserve Bank of Fiji's Experience with Financial Inclusion and Climate
    BRINGING SMART POLICIES TO LIFE RESERVE BANK OF FIJI’S EXPERIENCE WITH FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND CLIMATE CHANGE November 2018 CASE STUDY CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 INTRODUCTION 4 BACKGROUND 5 STRATEGIES FOR FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND CLIMATE 6 CHANGE BUILDING RESILIENCE: POLICIES ON FINANCIAL 8 INCLUSION AND CLIMATE CHANGE GREENING THE FINANCIAL SECTOR LDIN 11 FINANCING FIJI’S CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE 12 CONCLUSION 13 APPENDIX 14 ABBREVIATIONS 14 ACKNOWLEDGMENT This case study was written by Klaus Prochaska, Vereimi Levula and Andrew Levula with the invaluable contributions of the team of the Reserve Bank of Fiji. © 2018 (November), Alliance for Financial Inclusion. All rights reserved. 3 RESERVE BANK OF FIJI’S EXPERIENCE WITH FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND CLIMATE CHANGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Strategic Goal 6.4.6 states: “ Provide support for the development of green financial services and products. This includes When Tropical Cyclone Winston (TC services and products designed for individuals, Winston) hit Fiji in February 2016, the households and MSMEs that reduce negative environmental impacts or provide environmental impacts were intense, immediate and benefits.” far reaching. The biggest tropical cyclone to ever hit the Southern Hemisphere, the In the face of urgent environmental, economic and Category 5 storm destroyed 40,000 homes, social challenges brought about by climate change, flooded crops and farmland and displaced the RBF is finding ways for the financial sector to become more sustainable and transition to a green entire communities. Ultimately, the economy. One of these efforts is the Fiji Financial economic losses from the storm amounted Sector Development Plan 2016–2025, which the RBF to almost one-third of Fiji’s GDP.
    [Show full text]
  • For Official Use Only
    India – Fiji Bilateral Relations Historical Perspective India’s links with Fiji commenced in 1879 when Indian laborers were brought here under indenture system to work on sugarcane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916 around 60,553 Indians were brought to Fiji. Beginning with early 20th century, Indian traders and others also started arriving in Fiji. In 1920, the indenture system was abolished. Currently, of the 886,416 population (as of 1 March 2017), over one-third are Persons of Indian origin. Prior to Fiji’s independence in 1970, India had a Commissioner since 1948 to look after the interests of people of Indian origin. It was later upgraded to High Commissioner after independence. Fiji’s Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara visited India in 1971 and Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi visited Fiji in 1981. Visit of Prime Minister of India The visit by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to Fiji on 19 November 2014 was a watershed moment not only for India-Fiji relations but also for India’s relations with all the Pacific Island Countries. During the visit three MoUs were signed with Fiji: (i) MoU for Extending a Line of Credit for Establishing a Co- Generation Plant in Fiji, (ii) MoU on Cooperation in the field of training of diplomats, and (iii) MoU on the Earmarking of Land for their Diplomatic Missions in the respective Capitals. FIPIC-I: During the November 2014 visit to Fiji, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India also hosted the First Summit of the ‘Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC-I)’ in Suva (Fiji) during the visit on 19 November 2014 with the participation of 14 Pacific Island Countries.
    [Show full text]
  • Fiji Banknotes and Coins
    Message from Mr. Barry Whiteside Currency, United Kingdom and one of the world’s leading coin mints, Governor, Reserve Bank of Fiji the Royal Canadian Mint, Canada, were awarded the tender to design It is my privilege to present to you and produce our new notes and coins in their respective categories. Fiji’s new flora and fauna design I wish to acknowledge the contributions of those people who assisted banknotes and coins officially with the design and public education process through the provision of unveiled by His Excellency the unique and rare photographs. Very few people have actually seen the President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli design subjects alive and we are fortunate to have had this assistance. Nailatikau on 12 December 2012. I am truly grateful to these individuals for their contribution to our new The new banknotes and coins will currency. be issued into circulation from 2 January 2013. The RBF for the first time will introduce a new $2 coin and a polymer banknote in $5 denomination in its new vibrant green colour. These Fiji’s endemic flora and fauna measures have been taken to improve banknote durability and to also designs will now replace the portrait save costs for our nation. Various strategies have been set to withdraw of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the old $2 and $5 banknotes. Public awareness will commence in II across all denominations. It January 2013 to ensure an efficient and effective transition for these is important to recognise the two denominations. Other banknote denominations will continue to biodiversity around us.
    [Show full text]
  • Fiji Islands Political Crisis: Background, Analysis, and Chronology
    Fiji Islands Political Crisis: Background, Analysis, and Chronology December 11, 2000 Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov RS20690 SUMMARY RS20690 Fiji Islands Political Crisis: Background, December 11, 2000 Analysis, and Chronology Thomas Lum On May 19, 2000, Fijian businessman George Speight and his followers took Prime Specialist in Asian Affairs Minister Mehendra Chaudhry, an ethnic Indian Fijian, and 30 government and parliamentary officials hostage in an attempt to return the political system to indigenous Fijian dominance. The Fiji military appointed an interim civilian government, negotiated the release of the hostages on July 14, 2000, and then arrested Speight on July 26, 2000. Although the interim civilian government expressed disapproval of Speight’s actions, it also indicated plans to create a new Constitution that bars Indo-Fijians from the position of Prime Minister. On November 16, 2000, the Fiji High Court found the formation of the interim government and abrogation of the 1997 Constitution illegal. The United States has demanded a swift restoration of democratic government in Fiji. Congressional Research Service Fiji Islands Political Crisis: Background, Analysis, and Chronology Background Fiji’s Importance in the Region The Republic of the Fiji Islands has the second largest population (813,000 persons) among Pacific Island states, after Papua New Guinea; and second highest per capita income, after the Cook Islands. Many observers regard the Fijian economy as one of the most viable and potentially prosperous in the region.1 Prior to the 1987 coups, described below, many political analysts regarded Fiji as a model of democratic, multi-ethnic government. Even in undemocratic periods, political violence has been relatively minimal and most human rights have remained protected.2 Fiji and Papua New Guinea are the only two South Pacific nations to have significant armed forces.
    [Show full text]
  • Classification of Accounts Guide Last Updated – January 2018
    Classification of Accounts Guide Last updated – January 2018 Contents Part I: General introduction Part II: Residence Part III: Sector categories Part IV.1 – IV.2: Industrial classification Part IV.3: Relationship between sector and industrial classifications Part V.1: Sector components (ESA 10) and sub components Part V.2: List of countries 1 Part I Classification of Accounts Guide – General Introduction I.1 Foreword This guide is intended for all institutions completing a range of Bank of England statistical returns. It describes the two most important systems of classification used in compiling economic and financial statistics in the United Kingdom – the economic sector classification, and the industrial classification. This guide is intended to serve both as an introduction for newcomers and as a source of reference. The nomenclature in the sector classification is in line with international standards – in particular, the European System of National and Regional Accounts (abbreviated to ‘ESA10’). In addition, the analysis of industrial activity is in line with the 2007 standard industrial classification of economic activities (SIC) introduced by the Office for National Statistics. Those without knowledge of accounts classification are recommended to refer to the ‘Guide to Classification’ (Part I Section 3) which takes the reader through the main questions to be answered to help classify accounts correctly. The system of classification used in this guide is solely for statistical purposes. Parts II to IV of the guide describe the main aspects of the classification system in more detail, including lists of examples of institutions, or a web link reference, for many categories. I.2 An introduction to the classification of accounts Sector and industrial classification To understand the underlying behaviour which is reflected in movements in economic and financial statistics, it is necessary to group those entities engaged in financial transactions into broad sectors with similar characteristics.
    [Show full text]
  • Barry Whiteside: Bank South Pacific Group Expansion in Fiji
    Barry Whiteside: Bank South Pacific Group expansion in Fiji Opening address by Mr Barry Whiteside, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, on the occasion of the rebranding of Dominion House to BSP Life Centre, the opening of the BSP Life’s Customer Service Centre, and the opening of the BSP’s Thomson Street Branch, Suva, 4 October 2012. * * * His Excellency, The President, Rau Epeli Nailatikau The First Lady, Adi Koila Nailatikau Mr Kevin McCarthy, BSP Fiji Country Manager Mr Malakai Naiyaga, Managing Director, BSP Life Limited Board Members of BSP Life Limited and Bank South Pacific Management and Staff Distinguished Guests Ladies and Gentlemen Introductory Comments Bula vinaka and a very good evening to you all. I wish to thank Kevin and Malakai for their kind invitation to yet another significant event in the relatively short history of BSP’s operations in Fiji. It is indeed a privilege to be here to support your development initiatives and I welcome your ongoing rebranding & refurbishment programme in Fiji. It definitely is another sign of the BSP Group wishing to further stamp its mark as a major player in the market and is a real vote of confidence for Fiji’s economy and our domestic financial system. The BSP Fiji Group We are actually here today to celebrate three different milestones: (i) The re-branding of this Dominion House complex to BSP Life Centre; (ii) The opening of BSP Life’s Customer Service Centre; and (iii) The renaming of the refurbished bank operations to BSP Thomson Street branch. The BSP Fiji arm of the Group has an impressive pedigree.
    [Show full text]
  • Fiji: Economic Adjustment 1987-91
    PIDP Pacific Islands Development Program ECONOMIC REPORT No. 1 FIJI: ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT 1987-91 by Mark Sturton Andrew McGregor >#>>>>>>^ (33 EAST-WEST CENTER Fiji: Economic Adjustment 1987-91 by Mark Sturton Andrew McGregor April 1991 Pacific Islands Development Program East-West Center 1777 East-West Road Honolulu, Hawaii 96848 ANDREW McGREGOR, PIDP Research Associate, has extensive work expe• rience in the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean. He has served as Chief Planning Officer in the Fiji Central Planning Office, and he has lectured in Economics at the University of the South Pacific (USP). In 1985 he was the team leader of the Fiji Agricultural Sector Study conducted on behalf of the Asian Development Bank (AD6). Prior to taking up his present position as leader of the Private Sector Project, he was a Senior Commodity Analyst with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). McGregor holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University. MARK STURTON, PIDP Research Associate, has extensive experience with macroeconomic policy in the Pacific islands region. He has worked in Fiji's Central Planning Office and the Reserve Bank of Fiji where he was Research Director. As a consultant to the United Nations, he has served as economic policy adviser in the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Vanuatu. Sturton has a special interest in policy modeling—analytical tools for design• ing economic policy appropriate to the small island economies of the region. He has a Ph.D. from Sussex University and is currently in charge of the macroeconomic components of PIDP's Economic Development and Private Sector Program.
    [Show full text]
  • Re-Invigorating Private Sector Investment a Private Sector Assessment for Fiji
    Re-invigorating Private Sector Investment A Private Sector Assessment for Fiji This private sector assessment reviews Fiji’s private sector environment in 2006–2012, against recommendations made in ADB’s 2005 Promise Unfulfilled: Private Sector Assessment for Fiji. While Fiji has made considerable reform progress in a number of areas (including tax reforms, encouraging telecommunications competition, and reducing barriers to foreign investment), it still faces considerable challenges in responding to a range of macroeconomic shocks following the global economic crisis, and political and policy uncertainty at home. About the Asian Development Bank ADB’s vision is an Asia and Pacific region free of poverty. Its mission is to help its developing member countries reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people. Despite the region’s many successes, it remains home to two-thirds of the world’s poor: 1.7 billion people who live on less than $2 a day, with 828 million struggling on less than $1.25 a day. ADB is committed to reducing poverty through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Based in Manila, ADB is owned by 67 members, including 48 from the region. Its main instruments for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees, grants, and technical assistance. Re-invigorating Private Sector Investment A Private Sector Assessment for Asian Development Bank 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550 Metro Manila, Philippines www.adb.org ISBN 978-92-9254-260-3 Fiji Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office Level 20, 45 Clarence Street Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia www.adb.org/pacific 9 789292 542603 Printed on recycled paper Printed in Australia Re-invigorating Private Sector Investment A Private Sector Assessment for Fiji © 2013 Asian Development Bank All rights reserved.
    [Show full text]
  • Financial Integration in Open, Small Economies of the South Pacific: Extent, Consequences and Policy Implications
    Financial integration in open, small economies of the South Pacific: Extent, consequences and policy implications Seruwaia Cagilaba Reserve Bank of Fiji Kalolaini Ranadi Reserve Bank of Fiji Victor Wong Griffith University Eduardo Roca Griffith University Nirodha Jayawardena Griffith University Parmendra Sharma Griffith University GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY–SOUTH PACIFIC CENTRAL BANKS JOINT POLICY RESEARCH WORKING PAPER SERIES Griffith Asia Institute Griffith University–Reserve Bank of Fiji JPRWP#6 Griffith Asia Institute Griffith University–South Pacific Central Banks Joint Policy Research Working Paper Series Financial integration in open, small economies of the South Pacific: Extent, consequences and policy implications Seruwaia Cagilabaa, Kalolaini Ranadia, Victor Wongb, Eduardo Rocab,c, Nirodha Jayawardenab and b,c Parmendra Sharma aReserve Bank of Fiji bDepartment of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Griffith University c Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University About the Griffith Asia Institute The Griffith Asia Institute (GAI) is an internationally recognised research centre in the Griffith Business School. GAI aims to be the informed voice leading Australia's strategic engagement in the Asia Pacific by cultivating knowledge, capabilities and connections that will inform and enrich Australia's Asia-Pacific future. GAI's focus is on conducting and supporting excellent and relevant research on the politics, security, economies and development of the Asia-Pacific region; facilitating effective partnerships and policy outcomes for positive impact in the region; leading and informing public debate on Australia's place in the Asia Pacific; and shaping the next generation of Asia-Pacific leaders. The Institute reflects Griffith University's longstanding commitment to the study of and engagement with nations of Asia and the near Pacific.
    [Show full text]